Notes on Scientific Process and Evolution

Scientific Process

Definition of Scientific
- Scientific refers to the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation.
- It involves rigorous methodologies to ascertain facts and derive conclusions.
What is Evidence?
- Evidence in science is the data collected through observations and experiments that support or refute a hypothesis or theory.

Theory:
- A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world that has been repeatedly tested and confirmed through observation and experimentation.
- Unlike a hypothesis, which is a single testable prediction, a theory explains a broader range of phenomena and is supported by a multitude of evidence.
Hypothesis:
- A hypothesis is a testable statement or prediction about the relationship between two or more variables.
- It focuses on explaining a single event in nature and is often the starting point for further investigation.
Law:
- A scientific law describes an observed phenomenon or a relationship in nature that occurs consistently but does not provide an explanation for it.
- For example, Newton's law of universal gravitation describes how objects attract each other without explaining why they do so.

Natural Selection (Theory):
- Natural selection is a process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
- This theory forms the basis of evolutionary biology and explains how species evolve over time.
Understanding Life (Extinct & Extant):
- Biologists study both extinct (no longer existing) and extant (currently existing) species to gain insights into evolutionary processes.

Biological Adaptations:
- These are traits that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.
Selective Pressures / Forces:
- Environmental factors that influence survival and reproduction of organisms; examples include predators, climate, food availability, and disease.

Peppered Moths:
- A classic example demonstrating natural selection; the coloration of the moth changed due to pollution in industrial areas, leading to changes in survival rates based on camouflage against changing environments.

Quantitative Observations:
- These involve numerical data and measurements that are objective and more reliable; for example, measuring length as 100 cm.
Qualitative Observations:
- These are descriptive and more subjective, often lacking numerical backing, hence less reliable.
Repeatability:
- The ability to replicate the same experimental results under the same conditions is crucial to validating scientific findings.
Process of Elimination:
- This technique involves testing one hypothesis at a time to isolate variables and determine causes.
- Example: If a car breaks down, rather than checking all components (battery, tires, alternator, engine, gas) simultaneously, each factor is tested individually to identify the failure source.

For a process to be considered scientific, it must include:
- Quantitative Data: Reliable, numerical measurements.
- Repeatability: The ability to reproduce results in experiments.
- Process of Elimination: Testing individual hypotheses to isolate variables effectively.